Phelps wins third term
Dr Kerryn Phelps was today re-elected President of the Federal AMA for a third term.
Following a landslide 112-32 vote over challenger, Dr Gerald Segal, Dr Phelps said she was looking forward to getting on with the job on behalf of all AMA members.
Dr Phelps said the medical indemnity crisis is the greatest threat ever to the future of medical practice in Australia and the AMA needed strong leadership to work with Government to find a solution.
"Doctors and patients are looking to the AMA for certainty and security, and we will deliver," Dr Phelps said.
"Comments from the Government in the last 24 hours indicate they are fully aware of the enormity of the problem facing Australian doctors, their patients and whole communities.
"Government sources are advising me that a comprehensive package of measures to provide a long-term solution to the medical indemnity crisis may be only days away.
"It needs to be.
"The coming week will be crunch time for many doctors. Their insurance contracts will be up for renewal and they will need a rock-solid guarantee from Government that they are properly insured before they can continue providing quality patient care in the way they did before the collapse of UMP.
"Doctors just want to look after their patients without having to worry about the adequacy of their medical insurance. This crisis is a threat to doctors, not a threat by doctors.
"It is a privilege for me to be leading the AMA through this critical period and I thank AMA members for their overwhelming vote of confidence in me," Dr Phelps said.
The full AMA leadership team remains intact with Vice President, Dr Trevor Mudge, Treasurer, Dr Allan Zimet, and Chairman of Federal Council, Dr Michael Sedgley, being returned unopposed.
CONTACT: John Flannery (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (0419) 440 076